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South Australia flies the flag at International Astronautical Congress

Stephen Kuper

22 October 2019

South Australia has kicked off its showcase of space capabilities at the world’s premier global space event, the 70th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Washington, DC, which takes place from 21-25 October.

South Australia flies the flag at International Astronautical Congress

Stephen Kuper

Last Updated: 13 April 2020
Published: 22 October 2019

The IAC brings together more than 6,000 key space players, including scientists, researchers, engineers, agencies, businesses, students and astronauts, to collaborate on opportunities throughout the booming international space sector.

South Australia, through the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC), joins other state and territory departments on the Australian Space Agency stand as part of the significant exhibition area at the IAC.

SASIC chief executive Richard Price said the IAC presents the perfect opportunity for South Australia to highlight its space capabilities and credentials to major international players.

"Our space ecosystem is developing at a rapid rate, and we want to showcase this to the world, to attract more investment across this high-growth sector in our state. South Australia’s newest innovation neighbourhood Lot Fourteen is already home to the Australian Space Agency, SmartSat CRC, Mission Control and the Space Discovery Centre, and this is putting our state on the map globally," Price said.

The South Australian government is currently seeking expressions of interest for innovative international space companies to establish in Lot Fourteen’s heritage-listed McEwin building, which is being refurbished for space industry tenants.

The South Australian companies and education institutes participating at the IAC include:

Nova Systems;

SmartSat CRC;

Neumann Space;

Inovor Technologies;

Silentium Defence;

Southern Launch;

Flinders University; and

The University of South Australia’s Innovation and Collaboration Centre.

Price added, "We are working collaboratively at a national level to grow Australia’s space economy and support the Australian Space Agency in its endeavours to build international collaboration. The IAC is a fantastic opportunity for our innovative start-ups, companies and universities to showcase their cutting-edge technology and ideas to space heavyweights and international companies."